Septoplasty Post-Op Period

Hi,

I am a 30 yr old male and had a severely deviated septum and a crooked nose for the last 15+ yrs. Based on my PCP's referral I showed it to an otolaryngologist. (hope i got the spelling correct)
Anyways, he said that my right-side was blocked completely and it would be advisable to do the surgery and I would breathe much better if I go thru the surgery.

I decided to go thru. The surgery in itself was painless. The 1st week of recovery was not bad either. The only irritating part was the splints. Once they came out, it felt like heaven. The 1st couple of hrs after the splints were removed, were very good.

Then it started going downhill. I hv had severe congestion and I am not allowed to blow my nose.
Also I have observed, that my septum is still deviated. its not straight.
The right-side has opened up a lot compared to pre-surgery...but I was under the impression that septoplasty would straighten my septum like an arrow. Is it possible that the doc only did as much as was necessary for improving my breathing? Is this a valid scenario?

Also, is stuffy nose a standard post-op symptom? How long will it last?

thanks

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Swelling following packing and splint removal can often lead to temporary nasal obstruction following septoplasty.  Your initial positive result should probably be a reflection of what you will ultimately experience when full healing has occurred.  With a severely deviated septum, it can be near impossible to achieve an "arrow" straight result.